Cabo de Gata with the Arboleas Birding Group

 Wednesday 25 June

Sad to lose Juda but pleased that all those present could remember her in  birding situation. Also sad for many who many now be in birding denial as they await the recommencement of visits with the Arboleas Birding Group and who knows what the autumn might bring.  Something there for all to look forward to.

But, on this last visit of the session, some good birds to remember including Bee-eater, Red-rumped Swallow and Avocets plus all the Gull-billed and Little Terns.  Now enjoy the relaxing in the approaching 40C which, according to some, may also be in store for our grandchildren living back here in Blighty, as you await the new season.  happy summer and lots of fun and enjoyment for all.

Cabo de Gata  -  Thursday 26th June

As you might have noticed over the last month or so I have added a sentence at the end of the report sending best wishes to Juda. Sadly Juda passed away peacefully on Tuesday lunchtime at the Residential home in Vera with Peter and Linda at her side. She had a tumour on her spine and breast cancer.  We will all miss her.  She is now resting in peace.

Today is our last trip out before the summer recess.  It was Cabo de Gata's turn for a visit.  Nigel picked me up, followed by Claire and Peter 1.  We headed south on the A7/E15 and came off at the Retamar Sur exit.  Prior to and in the town we saw Jackdaw, Spotless Starling, Barn Swallow, House Sparrow, Thekla Lark and Collared Dove.  Between there and the first hide I spotted a lone Bee-eater.

Avocet (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Kevin was already in the hide itself, shaded from the increasingly strong sun.  Yesterday it was 40c at Almeria Airport just down the coast.  Today it got up to the mid 30's but there was a cooling breeze. Kevin had already logged Greater Flamingo, Shelduck, Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, White Wagtail, Red rumped and Barn Swallow and Slender-billed Gull.  He had just located a Common Sandpiper on the rocky causeway near to a standing Gull-billed Tern.  There were huge numbers of Greater Flamingos with some in the closest pools which was unusual.  We were joined by Alan, Trevor, Semas, Linda and the very well behaved Lottie.  Alan found a House Martin amongst the numerous Barn Swallows.  He then spotted a distant Grey Plover shaped wader through the haze!

Greater Flamingos (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We adjourned to the village cafe where we raised our cups or glasses to Juda.  A couple of Common Swifts raced around the roof tops.

We drove to the beach opposite the second hide. Kevin was first to spot a Scopoli's Shearwater out to sea. I decided to stay and do a seawatch as the others went to the hide. I saw a total of three Scopoli's plus a Yellow-legged Gull and a Gannet.  I enjoyed the free shade next to Kevin's campervan!  The others had added Little Egret and Little Tern to the list.

We moved to the public hide. There were numerous Kentish Plovers on the muddy shores.  Lots of Little Terns were flying around one of the islands and occasionally landing.  I assume they were breeding there.  An island further to the left had similar to'ings and fro'ings from Gull-billed Terns. Alan's Grey Plover was more easily identified from this angle.  Kevin spotted a Yellow Wagtail.  Earlier he had seen a Black-necked Grebe, Black-headed Gull and a Mallard, all of which were no longer visible. 

We said our goodbyes. We are back in September. En route to the motorway I added Blackbird and Magpie to take todays total to 31 species.

Regards,

Dave

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